Joel Shapiro spoke to an intimate gathering of high-level LACMA supporters on Tuesday evening, walking them through the David Smith sculpture exhibit on view at the LACMA Resnick Pavilion through July 24. He spoke eloquently and with considerable animation about the importance of Smith’s work in the history of American sculpture, and his own relationship to Smith’s work. He kept the audience fascinated with his discussion of numerous creative associations between Smith and fellow sculptors including Giacometti, Calder and other. After the walk-through, a small group of collectors were invited to dine at Playa, the hot new restaurant by John Sedlar who is known for his innovative Mexican cooking. Crafting a special menu for the evening, Chef Sedlar greeted the diners, which included LACMA Director Michael Govan and his wife, fashion PR powerhouse Katherine Ross, Senior Curator Stephanie Barron, Gemini client and celebrity interior designer Rose Tarlow, and several LACMA trustees and patrons. Joel is in Los Angeles, collaborating with Gemini on new prints to follow upon his highly successful 2009 series Boat, Bird, Mother and Child.